About the film (courtesy of Lionsgate):
The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.
Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson, was seemingly born to play the part of his late superstar uncle. This biographical drama does an incredible job weaving through the adolescent years of a young icon until he reaches approximately 30 years of age. Throughout this timeline, the protagonist deals with recurring trials and tribulations as he struggles to find his voice, his purpose, and his unique story. Michael is a gripping biopic that offers a perspective every music lover deserves to experience.
Director Antoine Fuqua deserves immense credit for taking on the daunting task of bringing arguably the greatest entertainer of our time back into the spotlight. The film is crafted in a way that both older fans and new generations can appreciate. From the meticulous set design and vibrant costumes to the technical reengineering of the classic discography, Michael will likely be a significant force during the upcoming awards season.
One cannot overlook or understate the contribution of Juliano Valdi, the actor portraying the youngest version of the lead. In Michael, he is far more than a mere placeholder; Valdi acts, performs, and sings with incredible intensity. His performance captures the heavy price of perfection thrust upon him and his brothers by their overbearing father, Joseph, played with a terrifying precision by Colman Domingo. This portrayal of the family patriarch is effectively contrasted by the warm, grounding presence of Nia Long, who provides the necessary emotional sanctuary as the family matriarch.
As the years pass, the motivations and ghosts that haunt the budding superstar begin to take a visible toll. The unrelenting path toward global stardom is portrayed in Michael as a fierce journey, and audiences will feel the weight of every peak and valley. Fuqua continues his streak of directing films that pack a significant emotional punch, much like his work in Training Day (2001) or Southpaw (2015).
Jaafar Jackson excels at every turn, moving beyond simple imitation to deliver a genuinely solid performance. His mannerisms are eerie in how closely they resemble his late uncle, from the soft-spoken cadence to the explosive energy on stage. Additionally, Michael benefits from strong supporting turns that might otherwise fly under the radar. KeiLyn Durrel Jones, who plays the bodyguard and confidant Bill Bray, provides a nuanced performance. He serves as an unsung hero within the narrative, offering a steady hand during the more chaotic chapters of the superstar’s life.
There are simply no weak links in the ensemble. Colman Domingo plays his role so convincingly that it is easy to find himself becoming the most loathed figure on screen. His ability to command a scene is reminiscent of the gravitas seen in Rustin (2023), and it would not be shocking to see him earn a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his abrasive performance in Michael.
Covering a specific, formative timespan was a wise choice to keep the narrative focused. Even with a runtime of 127 minutes, the pacing remains brisk. While some historical hits were inevitably left out, the film captures the essence of a monumental career. Michael hits theaters this Friday, April 24th, offering a cinematic experience that truly honors a legacy. Just get ready for an experience that will Rock With You, all night.
